India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
